5 Goalkeepers to watch out for this FIFA World Cup 2018

Goalkeepers have always played major roles in deciding World Cups. Notable examples in recent years have been Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon and most recently, Manuel Neuer.

Being the last line of defense, goalkeepers often have to cover up for mistakes made by defenders and normally suffer from more scrutiny than the rest of the outfield players.

A legendary football manager once famously said, “attack wins you games but defense wins you titles”. That statement is true even today.

Here is a list of five goalkeepers who will be key to deciding their respective nation's progress in the 2018 World Cup, to be held in Russia. Some of these goalkeepers have been linked with big money moves away, and a successful World Cup would thus help enhance their value.

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#5 Jordan Pickford, England

Pickford is most likely to be England's first choice at the World Cup

With Joe Hart struggling with unsuccessful loan spells, the 24-year-old seems to be the logical choice as England’s goalkeeper at the World Cup.

Pickford's breakthrough came with Sunderland last season, which resulted in a bidding war for the Englishman and this resulted in Everton splurging around £30 million for him, a record for a British goalkeeper. He has managed 92 saves this season, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

Though fairly inexperienced on the international scene, Pickford’s performances with club Everton this season have more than assured him of his ticket to Russia.

He is on course to be England’s youngest ever goalkeeper at a World Cup. With excellent feet and equally good shot-stopping ability, Pickford is a safe bet for Gareth Southgate’s team.

#4 Ederson Moraes, Brazil

Ederson will be hoping to keep up his good form

Eyes were raised when Pep Guardiola convinced the “powers-that-be” at Manchester City to splurge a record £35 million on the ex- Benfica man. All doubts have been quelled as Ederson has proved to be one of the standout players for the Premier League leaders, maintaining 14 clean sheets with an outstanding passing accuracy of about 88 percent.

He has also been one of the best goalkeepers this season, marshaling the meanest defense in the league, having conceded a measly 20 goals and was named in the UEFA Champions League breakthrough XI last season.

With Roma’s Alisson providing stiff competition as Brazil’s first choice shot-stopper, it is to be seen if Ederson can replicate his success internationally.

#3 Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Germany

With Manuel Neuer injured, Ter Stegen will be a key player

With Germany captain Manuel Neuer struggling with injury and short on game time, it is fairly likely that Barcelona star Ter Stegen will play a key role at the World Cup in Russia. Ter Stegen has been in good form, having kept 18 clean sheets this campaign in just 29 La Liga games.

Renowned for his “sweeper-keeper” ability, Ter Stegen is blessed with good reflexes and excellent shot-stopping ability which have made him a key player for the La Liga leaders. The 2012 Bundesliga goalie of the year has been the clear first choice for Germany owing to an injury to regular Neuer. He has also made a strong case for continuing as the number one.

The 25-year-old German who is well on course to winning his third La Liga, will need to be at his best if Joachim Low's men are to launch a successful defense of their 2014 triumph.

#2 Thibaut Courtois, Belgium

The 25- year-old is key to Belgium's chances

Chelsea’s number one, has been in good form this season and the “Red Devils” will hope that the experienced campaigner can fulfill their dreams of a first ever World Cup victory.

Courtois is intimidating in one-on-one situations, has good positional sense and has been one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers over the last few seasons, averaging a claim success of 95% this season and even winning the Golden Glove last season. Courtois is rumored to be a transfer target for Zinedine Zidane.

With Belgium having assembled a remarkable squad in recent times, the reliable 25-year-old will be key in adding protection at the back.

#1 David De Gea, Spain

Favorites Spain, will hope that Dave saves once again!

With “La Roja” among the favorites to lift the World Cup, a lot will be required of the Manchester United Spanish stopper who has established himself over the last few seasons as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He is leading the way for the Golden Glove this season, with 15 clean sheets so far.

With three Matt Busby and four PFA goalkeeper of the year awards to his name, few can doubt his ability.

De Gea is known to be far-sighted, although it has not affected his game. His outstanding shot-stopping ability and unbelievable reflexes allow him to stop clear cut goal attempts. De Gea will need to be at his best, if Spain are to repeat their 2010 triumph.